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What is back pain?
Trouble with your back does not simply produce
pain in the back. It may be the cause of more
remote symptoms like pain in the buttocks, groin
or legs (commonly called sciatica). This can be
brought about by pressure on specific nerve roots.
Problems in the back can also bring on pain in
the head, neck, shoulders and arms because they
can disturb the mechanical function of the whole
body.
Back problems account for over 50% of the cases
osteopaths see.
Osteopathic treatment is often the most effective
first line of attack in trying to correct these
very debilitating problems.
Most people think that back pain must be the
result of injury. In fact, there are many disease
states and pathological conditions that can give
symptoms of backache.
These include:
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Abdominal or Pelvic
disease |
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Anxiety states |
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Arthritis |
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Cervical or Lumbar Spondylosis |
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Dermatological problems |
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Kidney disease |
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Rheumatic conditions |
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Tumours |
Osteopaths are skilled in diagnosing problems
that may require further investigation or medical
treatment.
While these specific conditions are not curable
by osteopathic treatments, by correcting any underlying
mechanical disturbances in the musculo-skeletal
system, osteopaths can greatly relieve the pain
and distress involved in some of these problems.
With your permission, the osteopath will contact
your doctor if medical treatment is needed
Most back troubles however, result from mechanical
or functional disturbances of the spine and osteopaths
have been successfully treating these problems
for over 100 years.
Ten Top Tips for Backcare
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For back pain better
to see your osteopath sooner than later. |
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Take regular exercise - your
osteopath can say what's right for you |
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Hours in one position can cause
problems - avoid 'computer hump' |
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During repetitive tasks, vary
your rhythm and take frequent breaks |
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Adjust car seats and on long
journeys, take regular breaks to stretch. |
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Pace yourself with heavy work
like gardening - don't risk a disc! |
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Watch childrens' posture - they
shouldn't carry bags on one shoulder or spend
too long at a computer without breaks |
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During pregnancy, osteopathy
can help your body adjust to changes. |
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Avoid strain when lifting, particularly
small children and shopping. |
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Your bed could be part of the
problem. Seek osteopathic advice on choosing
a new one. |
Why see an osteopath?
It is the osteopath's comprehensive approach
to healthcare that makes treatment unique.
Osteopaths do not look on patients simply as
back sufferers but as individuals with their own
unique requirements for health.
Treatment is designed to correct each individual's
mechanical problems in order to stimulate their
own natural healing processes. Osteopaths do not
simply treat back problems but look at all the
factors contributing to a disturbed state of natural
health.
If you have other questions that we have not
answered here, don't hesitate to contact
us!.
Further Information
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